Masturbation causes your body to release a number of hormones. These hormones include:. Masturbating can cause you to release healthy amounts of the above hormones, which is why it can positively affect your mood and physical health. Indeed, many people find that masturbating helps them concentrate better. As such, they might masturbate before working, studying, or taking a test. However, this sense of clarity and focus might be a result of feeling relaxed and happy after an orgasm. As one study points out, oxytocin plays an important role in regulating stress and reducing anxiety.

Masturbation, or self-pleasuring, is touching and rubbing parts of your body for sexual pleasure, such as the penis, scrotum, clitoris, vulva, breasts and anus. Masturbation can involve a person exploring their own body, but can also happen between two people mutual masturbation. If masturbation is occurring between people mutual masturbation , consent needs to be given and obtained.

Many myths and misconceptions continue to spread the idea that masturbation is somehow harmful to health. However, masturbating may have several health benefits. Deciding whether to masturbate or not is a personal choice. However, masturbating may have several positive effects, including boosting hormones and chemicals that promote positive emotions, feelings, and sensations.